Thousands took to the streets of Berlin on February 2, 2025, as protests erupted against the growing ties between Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). According to police estimates, at least 160,000 people participated, with organizers claiming the turnout was as high as 200,000. The rally was sparked by the CDU's controversial decision to ally with the AfD over immigration policies, seen as breaking Germany's longstanding political taboo against far-right cooperation.
The protest commenced outside the Bundestag, Germany's parliament building, and unfolded with demonstrators chanting slogans such as "Shame on you CDU" as they marched toward the CDU's headquarters. Among the participants was Anna Schwarz, 34, who stated, "(We want to) make as much noise as possible to call for the self-described 'democratic' parties to protect this democracy." This was her first political rally, and she emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, "we can no longer avert our gaze."
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and frontrunner for upcoming elections on February 23, has faced backlash for his efforts to secure the AfD's backing, which he defended as necessary. He remarked, "A right decision doesn't become wrong just because the wrong people agree to it." This sentiment has developed against the backdrop of intensifying fears surrounding immigration issues, particularly following recent high-profile incidents involving immigrants.
The protests coincide with national elections and reflect broader public unease about the AfD's rising influence, as polls currently place the CDU at approximately 30% support, with the AfD trailing close behind. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly cautioned against the conservatives potentially forming governing coalitions with far-right factions, pointing to other European countries where similar political trajectories have unfolded.
The protests also featured various civil society groups, trade unions, churches, and right activists, all rallying against the CDU's perceived breach of Germany's post-WWII political consensus aimed at preventing far-right governance. Protester Oez, who opted to withhold her full name, shared her apprehensions, commenting, "To see the CDU speaking then the AfD clapping and vice versa, it's terrifying."
Despite their cooperation resulting only in the passing of non-binding resolutions aimed at tightening immigration regulations, the symbolic nature of the CDU's actions has stirred fears about the legitimacy of aligning with the AfD—a party long under scrutiny by German security agencies due to its extremist ties.
Political backlash was amplified when Michel Friedman, former vice president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, resigned from the CDU over the party's shift toward the far-right. He articulated his concerns, stating, "The party of hate is the party which is not based on democracy," underscoring the existential risks posed by normalizing relationships with extremist entities.
Continued protests across other German cities such as Hamburg and Leipzig, where additional tens of thousands marched, speak to the widespread sentiment of opposition against the CDU and the AfD's alleged collusion. Demonstrators are adamant about preserving the so-called political 'firewall' against the far right, which has been emblematic of Germany’s post-Nazi political identity.
The incendiary climate leading up to the national election has galvanized diverse groups to publicly express their dissent and rally for democratic values. The collective outcry serves as both a warning and as encouragement for voters to recognize the potential consequences of the far-right’s rising tide.
The events of the weekend reinforce the notion within Germany's political sphere: every vote counts, and many citizens are determined to uphold their democratic framework even as forces challenge those ideals. This pivotal moment, drawing the attention of many, reflects just how high the stakes are as the country stands at the verge of another election.